Maritime Awards Society of Canada

Call for Proposals 2010: Collaborative Coastal Research

Proposals are invited from qualified individuals to undertake collaborative research projects that focus on understanding and implementing aspects of sustainable development in coastal areas. Specifically, the Robin Rigby Trust provides support to (1) Canadians travelling overseas, and (2) non-Canadians travelling to Canada, in both cases to undertake coastal research that involves collaboration with appropriate coastal communities, coastal research organizations, and/or coastal-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The Trust supports suitable partnerships, through funding for small-scale “do-able” projects developed in response to local research needs, and relating to coastal conservation and sustainable development. The aim of the cooperative work should be broadly to find ways (a) to better understand coastal ecosystems and the value of biodiversity and conservation along coastal littorals, (b) to effectively address coastal environmental and resource management problems, (c) to develop coastal areas responsibly, and (d) to improve the livelihoods of those living along the coast.

Background

Patricia Robin Rigby (Feb 28, 1977 – Dec 9, 2007) had the opportunity to live and study in a variety of cultures and geographical areas. Her research and professional work benefited greatly from this international experience, which enabled her to appreciate the need to adopt alternative resource use strategies within varied local frameworks. Established by Robin’s parents, Doug and Mary Rigby, the primary function of the Robin Rigby Trust is to extend the benefits Robin had to other young people involved in the identification, sustainable use and conservation of shoreline and nearshore natural resources. The Trust represents an opportunity to implement the kind of research and development work Robin loved.

Eligibility and Criteria

Applicants should be current university students or recent university graduates (in their first five years post-degree, who are now either early-career university support staff / instructors, or affiliated with environmental or development-oriented non-governmental organizations). Applicants can be from any discipline or an interdisciplinary field. For example, eligible areas of interest and experience include (but are not limited to) coastal biodiversity studies, marine species identification, coastal resource management, policy studies relating to coastal community well-being, and coastal community social and economic development.

A key element of success in all projects funded by the Trust will be the presence of, or demonstrated potential for, a strong and well-established linkage between the applicant and one or more coastal communities, coastal research organizations, or coastal-focused NGOs. Preference will be given to proposals that seek to (1) extend the projects and partner participation of coastal projects in Atlantic Canada, and beyond the Atlantic Canada region, into overseas communities, or (2) bring individuals from abroad to Canada to learn from and contribute to specific ongoing or proposed coastal projects in the Atlantic Canada region. Preference will also be given to proposals that link the proposed project to other ongoing activities, and ones that leverage additional funds, in-kind contributions or non-monetary benefits beyond those provided by the Trust.

Canadian applicants should demonstrate (1) how the opportunity to work overseas, with foreign researchers and coastal communities, research bodies or NGOs, will generate concrete positive outcomes for the applicant, and (2) how participating coastal communities, research bodies or NGOs outside Canada will be helped by the research collaboration with the applicant, to address environmental, socio-economic, and coastal management problems, and potentially to develop corresponding research methodology, products and services.

Non-Canadian applicants should demonstrate (1) how the opportunity to work in Canada, with local researchers and coastal communities, research bodies or NGOs, will generate concrete positive outcomes for the applicant, and (2) how participating coastal communities, research bodies or NGOs in Canada will be helped by the research collaboration with the applicant, to address environmental, socio-economic, and coastal management problems, and potentially to develop corresponding research methodology, products and services.

Finally, proposed projects should be such that they commence at some point between March and June of 2011, and can be completed within a time period of preferably one year, and in no case more than two years. Furthermore, since the Trust has limited funds available annually, and wishes to support multiple awards each year, funds requested in proposals should typically be in the range of $6,000-$15,000 over a one-year period. In no case should the requested funds exceed $25,000 even if over a two-year period. The Trust will view positively proposals that are efficient in their planned use of funds.

Application Format

Applicants should submit:

(1) A Concept Note (maximum of 5 pages) that describes and “makes the case” for the project proposed. While no standard format is required of submissions, applicants should be sure to include descriptions of the following:

• The proposed project, along with a clear time frame for the activities involved (2 pages)
• The collaboration with a suitable coastal community, coastal research organizations, and/or coastal-focused non-governmental organization (1 page)
• Expected outcomes both for the applicant and the community/organization (1 page)
• A draft of a project budget (1 page). This should indicate the overall size of the funding request, the proposed budget components and estimates of these (presented in a table), and any funding from other sources that is anticipated. Applicants whose concept notes are accepted will be invited to develop a detailed budget for consideration by the Trust.

(2) A Letter of Support (1-2 pages) from the coastal community, research organization or NGO involved in the proposal; this should describe clearly and concretely the importance of, commitment to, and involvement in the proposed project. Note that this must be a formal letter of support, not an e-mail message or other informal format, and must be provided as an attachment to the application, at the time of submission.

The deadline for the 2010 round of submissions is October 31, 2010.

Please submit proposals by e-mail to: robinrigbytrust@smu.ca

In exceptional circumstances, if e-mail submission is not possible, mail the submission to:

The Robin Rigby Trust, c/o Development Office, Saint Mary’s University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3 Canada.